"I have to finish this one off so I can complete the cycle" - Leonard Gates looking to finally add World Seniors Darts Championship title to his trophy haul

Leonard Gates has made an excellent start to the 2025 World Seniors Darts Championship. 'The Soulger' defeated Welshman Mike Huntley 3-1 in his last 16 match and will now take on Graham Usher in the quarter-finals. The latter was too strong in the second round for former WDF world champion Neil Duff 3-1.

Gates, who has never advanced beyond the semifinals at the World Seniors Darts Championship, clocked in at nearly 90 average. "There's still plenty more work to do for the rest of the weekend, for the rest of the tournament, but right now it feels good to come out on top!" Gates beamed as he spoke to the media post-match. "We'll see what I can do in the next round."

The 54-year-old American won three major tournaments at the seniors in 2023 (World Seniors Matchplay, World Seniors Darts Masters and Champion of Champions), but the World Championship is thus still missing from his list of honours. Something the American is desperate to put right this weekend at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet.

"This is definitely one that I've thought about and slept on and everything, so I have to win it. I tell myself I have to finish this one off so I can complete the cycle," he explains. "The only pressure though, comes from myself. I've just got to keep it regular, play my darts and try to win."

Still a semi-regular face on the PDC circuit, Gates pushed Nathan Aspinall at the Alexandra Palace in December, and is also hoping to return to the big TV stages again later in the year, regardless of what happens this weekend. "If I could continue that road, it's definitely going to be profitable for me!" Gates concludes with a smile.

As mentioned, in the quarter-finals this Saturday afternoon, Gates now faces off against Graham Usher.